Devotionals for the Heart: How a Mother's Love is Like God's Love

The Sacrificial Nature of Love
A devotional by Essie Faye

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16 (NKJV)

There’s no love like a mother’s love.

Recently, I spent time with my 70-year-old Mama. She has mothered many children—from her 11 biological children plus four bonus children, her siblings, Sunday school students at church, and children who lived in the neighborhood and surrounding community. My Mom has generously given her love, time, attention, and resources to countless children—positively impacting their lives forever.

But to her biological children, her love has been highly sacrificial in nature. Our mother not only gave her love, time, attention and resources to us; she gave us her DNA and carried us inside of her body. Our mom bore the wear and tear of carrying and nurturing each of us for nine months. She gave her all to make us into healthy babies. After we were born, she lovingly cared for and nurtured us in good times and challenging times. Even now, as an adult, my mom is available for advice, support, and nurturing. A mother’s job is never done because mothers always hold their children in their heart. What an incredible and God-ordained sacrifice!

In many ways, a mother’s love mirrors the love of God for His children. John 3:16 teaches us that God’s love for humankind caused Him to give His only Son for us. Just as mothers give sacrificially to their children, God gave to His children. God’s love is evidenced by His generosity and concern for His creation. He is moved with compassion to provide a solution for mankind’s sin problem.

Because of the original sin of Adam and Eve who were the First Parents of all humankind, all of us were sentenced to face the judgment of our sins and be punished with eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). But God offered a solution: He gave His Son (Jesus Christ) to save us (John 3:16) and help us be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). Now when we let Christ into our hearts and live for Him, we have the hope and promise of eternal life in God’s Presence.

God’s love for humanity prompted Him to give the gift of salvation to us through His Son (Jesus Christ). It is a very generous gift! Generosity is a sure sign of love. God created a solution to solve a seemingly impossible problem. This solution cost Him dearly. Yet He still chose to give us this beautiful gift because He decided that we are worth the sacrifice.

Call to Action:

1. Meditate on God’s love for humankind.

2. What can we give God to show appreciation of His sacrifice for us?

3. Reject the lies of the devil concerning God’s love for you.

4. Accept God’s gift of love and realize its magnitude.

5. Remember: God sacrificed all for you willingly; such great sacrifice deserves acknowledgement and gratitude.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your sacrificial love. You loved us so much that you sent Your Son to rescue us. You gave generously. You gave Your one and only. Help us to truly see the magnitude of Your love. Help us to accept Your unconditional love for us. Teach us how to be generous, empathetic, sympathetic, and compassionate toward ourselves and others. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Selah. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Faye is a woman of faith. 

She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter.

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefaye.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn